Here I will compile an entire Nostromo build from molding to finish. Included here will be pictures of my ship, techniques, and advice. All other Nostromo models of any kit type, toys, micro-machines are not only welcome, but encouraged. Fun is the idea! I will also include pictures of other people building my kits from time to time....

These molds are over 25 years old now, they are Poly-urethane, a few latex, a couple older silicons... Only 12 of these kits were produced in the mid-late 80's before the project got shut down. I happened to come into possession of these, and now I am retiring/restoring one mold at a time to keep this model alive. as I sell these kits, 100% of what I make goes back into silicon, plywood, and labor to restore and improve the model. ...and sometimes a little beer to break the monotony....

Lets get started....

a custom designed thruster module I designed that was missing from the original AEF kit

Here is a view of the inner Nacelle, the piping is done by forming soft copper or aluminum tubing included with the kit around the nacelle, simply use needle nose pliers to form the radii, and with your pliers, bending the ends of the piping at a 90 degree angle, cut and securing them into a drilled hole with a drop of super-glue.. I also added a few small drops along the piping to secure the piping. It is a very simple process, and looks pretty cool...
Space Jockey has some very good references on this site to go by...

The Nostromo has some intensive detail, and it is a little bit different in each of the three studio models in the movie 'ALIEN". I chose a balance between the largest Studio model and the Shuttle Narcissus escape scene where an incredibly detailed visual effect of the bottom hull zooms off into the distance...This compromise is both practical and easily do-able by even a modeler of intermediate experience like myself

Take the .7 millimeter vinyl included with the kit..and cut it like this.... the recommended size is between 2 millimeter and 10 millimeter strips....in random order... and then cross cut them into various lengths so you end up with a pile of little strips.... get your super glue and tweezers ready..this really is not as bad as it sounds.

The strips are laid out in random order along the bottom of the "wing" in sections starting from the "deck" to the forward leading edge. Do not be afraid of leaving "over-hang" on the leading edge strips, You can actually use these to keep the little panels straight. Just let them over-hang, and a minute later when they are dry, just slice them off in a smooth line....

do it in sections...a few strips at a time...lay some superglue down, and then the strips with tweezers, keeping them straight with a small pick or paperclip before the glue sets...

In this next picture, I am adding the little panels to the raised "deck".

Simply use the same width strips, and space them evenly across the "deck" so that there are seven (7) strips across. let them overhang again if you wish...It allows you to keep them straight to the trailing edge. In one minute after the super glue sets, slice them of in a straight line using your razor blade using the trailing edge as a guide...

On the seven strips, I add a little bit of detail in the form of small squares randomly to give a more dimensional effect. On the right side in this pic I have added the end of a small wire nut for simplicity sake I will call this a "Reactor Venturi"...... I have molded several sizes and they seem to be used throughout various alien props. In this picture you can see the finished "wing" and the "deck" detailing....

For those who always wondered where the shuttle "Narcissus" was situated, here it is.......

Last edited by Mark Sheppard on Sun May 03, 2009 12:36 am; edited 1 time in total

Here is a Nostromo Mike is building from one of my kits. He is actually using almost all Metal landing struts and is doing quite a good Job.. Check out the Thrust dampeners he is doing on his engines! He sent me these pics today, and he is almost ready to assemble the nacelles to the hull, It is going to look really nice! another member here 'theprofessor' should be posting some pics here soon.